Blue Whales Amass Off an Orange Coast

​Veteran whale watchers and sports-fishing operators report dense numbers of blue whales--the largest animals ever known to have existed--frolicking off the Southern California coast, from Santa Barbara to southern Orange County.

Thank our unseasonably cold weather: chilly water favorable to the shrimp-like krill that the whales consume have drawn the behemoths south from their usual hangout off Monterey.

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Crowds have moved off OC's frigid beaches and onto whale-watching boats to catch sights like this.

Blue whales typically feed on these tiny shrimp-like animals far
offshore where there is less chance of contact with commercial vessels.

Despite their enormous size, blue whales are no match to
withstand the impact from massive commercial ships that make their way
along these traffic routes, especially when they are feeding close to
the surface. And while the whales are typically able to avoid large
ships, at least three animals washed ashore from injuries related to
vessel strikes.

Milburn was particularly concerned about the blue whales wandering into one of the world's busiest shipping lanes between the Channel
Islands and the coast of Santa Barbara--another area Thomas said is brimming with the mammals right now.

To help keep the whales safe, various federal agencies coordinate flights to determine where they are feeding and communicate with port authorities that can pass that information along to cargo ships. National Weather Service broadcasts let smaller recreational vehicles know about the presence of feeding blue whales.

Speed limits are often adjusted to give the whales a fighting chance.

Whale-watching fleet operators hope conditions remain ripe to maintain the heavy presence of blue whales off the local coast for several more weeks. Reserve your spot now if this interests you.